Carol Grier

Carol arrived on Saltspring Island with her partner Richard in October 2003. An activist at heart, and recovering from protesting the Iraq war from their former home in southern California, she took a year off to observe the many groups and organizations active on Saltspring. "This activist spirit is something that drew us to the Island."

Knowing the power of art to move people, she wanted to combine that element with activism. Attending the Our Island, Our World Film Festival in February 2004 was a highlight of the winter, and she knew she wanted to be involved. Later that year, she learned that the festival organizers were tired and for lack of volunteers and help were about to shut down the festival.

Carol and Richard met with the organizers and agreed to take on the festival with their mentoring--and the rest is history.

Islands Institute is another organization that combines art with real world activism. Carol joins the advisory council with pleasure.